Did you know The Lord’s Prayer contains a perplexing mystery in its midst? The Greek word “epiousion.” This term, translating to “Give us this day our daily bread” in most English versions, is a linguistic enigma.
Surprisingly, “epiousion” is a unique word in ancient Greek literature, found only in the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew and Luke. Its singularity has puzzled scholars and theologians alike. The Greek Fathers, fluent in the language, were also uncertain of its exact meaning. Origen, a prominent early Church Father, even suggested that the term was coined specifically for this prayer.
What does “epiousion” really mean? The debate is ongoing. Grammatically, it seems to be a compound of “epi” (over, above, or beyond) and “ousios” (substance). Thus, a direct translation might be “supersubstantial” or “super-essential.” This interpretation leans towards a spiritual understanding, potentially linking the word to the Eucharist – the communion bread symbolizing Christ’s body in Christian belief.
Jerome, a scholar translating the Bible into Latin, rendered “epiousion” differently in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, as “supersubstantial” and “daily,” respectively. This adds to the complexity of the word’s interpretation.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church suggests multiple layers to this word: temporal, qualitative, and literal. It says: “Taken literally (epi-ousios: ‘super-essential’), it refers directly to the Bread of Life, the Body of Christ, the ‘medicine of immortality,’ without which we have no life within us.”
Despite different thoughts, “epiousion” remains shrouded in mystery. Most modern translations have settled on “daily,” but this hardly captures the word’s full essence.
Whether it’s worldly sustenance, spiritual nourishment, or a symbol of unity in the Eucharist, “epiousion” enriches the Lord’s Prayer with a profound depth.
Lord, give us this day our daily bread!
🙏
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